Halifax, NS (March 24, 2023) – Maritime radio listeners joined forces during the annual IWK Radiothon today to raise a remarkable $281,014.15 to support specialized care for the patients and families who rely on the IWK.
“We are so grateful to the incredible generosity of the Maritime community and our partners at Bell Media,” says Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “Thank you to all the donors, sponsors, IWK care teams and patients for coming together to support this year’s IWK Radiothon. These funds will make a tremendous difference in supporting the urgent priority needs of the IWK and the lives of the families and children it serves.”
This year, the IWK Radiothon raised funds to help support the purchase of new equipment including pediatric/infant scales, an examination table for the Emergency Department and Syringe Infusion Pumps. Donations also support other urgent priorities and opportunities such as research and innovation, and facility upgrades at the IWK.
“The IWK Radiothon is an absolute highlight of the year for our staff across the region,” says Trent McGrath, General Manager, CTV Atlantic and Bell Media Radio Atlantic. “The stories of the kids and the families remind us all just how lucky we are to have a facility like this in our backyard.”
Throughout the day, radio listeners were inspired by stories and live interviews from IWK patients and their families from across the Maritimes, including Kyle Swim from Woodstock, NB. Kyle was diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries, a rare and life-threatening heart condition before he was even born. He underwent heart surgery at just seven days old. Now 14 years old, he is a healthy boy who continues to be monitored by the IWK's cardiology team.
In the weeks leading up to the broadcast, participating radio stations encouraged their listeners to become IWK Radiothon Warriors. Participants who signed up were able to create online fundraising pages. The Warrior program raised a remarkable $14,000.50 towards the event’s grand total.
Participating stations included Move 100.1 and 101.3 Virgin Radio in Halifax; Bounce 100.9 and Pure Country 99.5 in Truro; Bounce 105.3, MOVE 106.9 and Pure Country 103.5 in Fredericton; Bounce 104.9 in Bathurst, Bounce 93 in Grand Falls and Pure Country 104 in Woodstock.
Donations can still be made to the IWK Radiothon by calling 1-800-595-2266 or visiting www.iwkfoundation.org/radiothon.
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women's and children's health and medicine and works in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing more than $18 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK's global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Duggan
Integrated Brand Manager
IWK Foundation
c: 902-220-8029
kelly.duggan@iwk.nshealth.ca